Comic Review: New Dangers Await In Buffy Season 10 #1

Written by Christos Gage
Art by Rebekah Isaacs and Dan Jackson
Release Date: March 19, 2014
Published by Dark Horse Comics

The 10th season of the television series-turned-comic-book continuation released its first issue today, with a new creative team at it’s helm.

Last year during season nine’s run, Christos Gage wrote the spinoff series Angel and Faith, while Rebekah Isaacs provided art. Both received critical acclaim for the series, which resulted in a shift bringing the duo to the main Buffy title, and it clearly was a wise choice.

(very minimal spoilers ahead)

Last season was centered off of a new world without magic, which resulted in some dire consequences for the scoobies. After the climactic battle at the deeper well during season nine’s end, Willow, with the help of old ancient magic, managed to bring forth a new seed providing a mystical rebirth for the world.

This season shows that the fallout from last season is being dealt with (adios zompires!), while introducing some new dangers to the vampire mythology and nothing to guide them. The core group is finally back together with a few extras (yay for Billy and Devon!)

The writing is as sharp as the television show; Christos clearly knows the characters, as you can hear the actors saying the lines while you read through each page.

Rebekah doesn’t disappoint either, providing excellent and distinguishable art, especially through the action panels. The story is very contained in the first issue, and introduces upcoming recurring plotlines for each character, none of which seem to disappoint.

There is a potential romantic development that many fans, including myself, will enjoy seeing progress, along with an emotional reunion that we’ve all been waiting for and an unexpected alliance that is sure to be short lived.

If all of this wasn’t enough, the writers also bring one character back for a surprise appearance that will hopefully develop further! (It’s so great; it takes all of my might to not spoil it.)

This is an extremely strong way to open the season, if not my favorite of all three comic book series first issues. It’s great to have Buffy back with her friends, and better than ever!